Gasoline vaporizer



June 30, 1959 E, ANDERSON 2,892,692

- GASOLINE. VAPORIZER Filed Aug. 30, 1955 ZSheets-Sheet 1 Eddie Anderson IN VEN TOR.

June 30, 1959 E. ANDERSON 2,392,692

GASOLINE VAPORIZER Filed Aug. 30, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig. 2

Eddie Anderson IN V EN TOR.

M nun #0100 5% United States Patent 2,892,692 GASOLINE VAPORIZER Eddie Anderson, Del Paso Heights, Calif.

Application August 30, 1955, Serial No. 531,501

3 Claims. (Cl. 48-102) This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in carburetion systems for internal combustion engines, and more specifically to an improved gasoline vaporizer.

It is well known that the present-day carburetor is inefiicient inasmuch as the gasoline supplied thereby is brokenup into a fine spray to result in the complete burning thereof in thecylinders of the engine. In recent years, it has been found that a gasoline vapor will produce the maximum efficiency. However, it is difficult to produce such a vapor and the normal manner of producing the vapor'will not produce instantaneous starting as is desired by most users of internal combustion engines.

It is therefore a primary object of this invention to provide a gasoline vaporizer to be used in conjunction with a conventional carburetion system, the gasoline vaporizer being of such a nature whereby it may be cut in after the internal combustion engine has been started and run fora while.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved gasoline vaporizer which is so constructed whereby the gasoline is vaporized due to the spraying of the gasoline onto a heated vaporizing plate, the vaporizing plate being heated from the heat of the exhaust manifold of the internal combustion engine to which the gasoline vaporizer is attached.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved control system for gasoline Vaporizers, the control system including a series of valves which are electrically controlled in response to the energization of a thermostatic switch by proper heating of an internal combustion engine exhaust manifold, the electrically controlled valve including a normally open valve in the main fuel line of the internal combustion engine and the other normally closed valves in a gasoline supply line for the gasoline vaporizer and in a varpor supply line from the gasoline vaporizer.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved gasoline vaporizer which includes an accumulator tank having a heated vaporizer plate in the bottom part thereof, there being provided a suitable gasoline delivery tube overlying the vaporizer plate and having spray nozzles for projecting sprays of gasoline against the vaporizer plate, and there also being provided a pressure actuated valve responsive to the pressures within the accumulator tank to control the delivery of gasoline thereto.

the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of an internalcornbustion engine and shows mounted .fllereon a preferred form of gasoline vaporizer,

2,892,692 Patented June 30, 1959 Figure 2 is an enlarged elevational view of the main part of the gasoline vaporizer and shows the same removed from the internal combustion engine, a portion of the accumulator tank of the gasoline vaporizer being broken away and shown in section in order to clearly illustrate the details of the interior thereof;

Figure 3 is an enlarged top plan view of the ammumulator tank of Figure 2 and shows further the details thereof;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view taken through the accumulator tank and shows the relationship of the gasoline delivery tube with respect to the vaporizer plate;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a modified form of accumulator tank and shows the same mounted on an exhaust manifold for a V-type engine; and

Figure 6 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view taken through an adapter block for attachment to a carburetor whereby the carburetor may be converted to use of gasoline vapors.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that there is illustrated a conventional type of internal combustion engine which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 10. The internal combustion engine 10, among other features, includes an intake manifold 12, an exhaust manifold 14, and a carburetor 16 mounted on the intake manifold 12. Extending from the fuel pump (not shown) and connected to the carburetor 16 for supplying gasoline thereto is a main fuel supply line lS. Also mounted on the internal combustion engine 10 and utilizing the operation thereof is a gas-fuel vaporizer which is the subject of this invention, the gasoline vaporizer being referred to in general by the reference numeral 20.

The gasoline vaporizer 20 includes an accumulator tank which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 22 and is best illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 4. The accumulator tank 22 includes a generally horizontal cylindrical tank portion 24 which has the extreme bottom thereof formed by a relatively thick vaporizer plate 26. Extending upwardly from the central part of the tank portion 24 is an accumulator dome 28.

Extending into the tank portion 24 to one end thereof is a gasoline delivery tube 30. The gasoline delivery tube 30 overlies the vaporizer plate 26 and is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced, downwardly projecting spray nozzles 32. The spray nozzles 32 direct gasoline to the vaporizer plate 26 for the purpose of vaporizing the same.

In order that the accumulator tank 22 may be mounted on the exhaust manifold 14, the vaporizer plate 26 is provided at opposite ends thereof with outwardly projecting ears 34. Extending upwardly through the ears 34 and around the exhaust manifold 14 are U-bolts 36 which secure the accumulator tank 22 to the exhaust manifold 14 in such a manner that the vaporizer plate 26 rests directly upon the exhaust manifold 14 and receives heat therefrom.

Inasmuch as the vaporizer plate 26 is heated, when gasoline is sprayed onto the upper surface of the vaporizer plate 26 through the spray nozzles 32, the gasoline will be immediately vaporized and will till the accumulator tank 22.

In order that the volume of flow into the accumulator tank 22 through the gasoline delivery tube 39 may be varied, there is mounted in the gasoline delivery tube 30 a volume control valve 38. The volume control valve .38 is of the conventional needle valve type and is utilized to control the flow of gasoline into the gasoline delivery tube, 30.

38 within the gasoline supply line '40is 'apressure actuated valve 42." The pressure" actuated valve 42 includes adiaphragm assembly 44 for controlling the operation of the valve 42.4 Connected to the diaphragm assembly 44 is acontrol line 46 'whose opposite end is connectedto the accumulator dome 28. Thus, the valve 42 is controlled by'th'e pressure of gasoline vapor within the accumulator tank '22. Whenth'e pressure of the gasoline vapor within-the tank'22'rises, dueto the connection of the control line 46 to the accumulator dome 28, the diaphragm 44' is actuated .to close the valve 42, thereby limiting the supply of gasoline to. the. interior of the accumulator tank 22. The upper end of the dome 28 'is'also provided with a safety release valve 48in thereventthe valve 42. does not function properly. 7

Referring now to-Figure 1 inparticulan it will. be seen that thegasoline supply line 40 has mounted therein adjacent 'the valve 42 a gasoline reservoir-50. This is toassure maximumsupply of gasoline to the valve 42 at all times. The gasoline supply line 40- extendsfrom the reservoir 50 to the main fuel line. 18 and isiconnected thereto by means of a T-fitting '52. Thus, gasoline is supplied to the gasoline supply linefrom the main. fuel line 18.

In the operation ofthe gasoline vaporizer 20, it is not desired that fuel. be supplied to the accumulator tank 22 until such time as the vaporizer plate 26-reaches the desired temperature for vaporizing gasoline This is.accomplished by placing in the main fuel-line. 18 between thev fitting 52 in the carburetor -16 a normally opened electrical controlled valve 54. A similar, normallyclosed electrically controlled valve 56 is mounted in the gasoline supply line40. A third electrically controlled valve 58 is mounted in a vapor supply line 60 which extends between the accumulator dome 28 and an'adapter block 62 carried by the carburetor 16. The valve'58 isalso normally closed.

In order that the valves 54, 56 .and58' may-be controlled there is provided a thermostatically controlled switch '64 which is mounted on the exhaustmanifold 14.- Extending from the thermostatic control. switch 64 -to'the battery (not shown) carried by thevehicle "of which the internal combustion engine 101-is a partis a wire,:66. The wire 66 is preferably: connected to the ignition switch (not shown) of the vehicle;v The wire -66. is also connected to the valves 54, 56, and 58" in series -of-the valve 56 permits gasoline to flow into the =accumulator tank 22 and the-resultant vaporization of the gasb line. The gasoline vapor then passes into the carburetor 16 through the block 62 by means of the vapor supply line 60, the valve 58 now being open. The gaso- -'line vapor within the accumulator-tank 22 is retained at a constant pressure by means of the valve'42'.

Referring now'in particular to Figure 6, "it will be seen 'that there is illustrated details of'the fuel block 62. The fuel block 62 includesa generally-L-shaped' housing 68 which includes an inlet fitting 70 'in one end thereof for receiving the vapor supply line 60. Communicating-with the fitting 70 is a first passage 72 which terminates in an end wall 74. The end' wall 74 has an opening 76 therethrough which is controlled by means of a needle valve 78. Disposed normal'to thepassage 72 is a passage 80- into which the gasoline vapor flows after-passing the needle valve 78.

The extreme end of the passage 80. remote fromtfthe meta-1e valve '78- is provided witha fitting '82 'which' may be utilized in the connection of the fuel block 62 to the 'carburetor'fittin any desired manner; Flowof air into the passage through a vent opening 84 is controlled by means of a needle valve 86 in order that the proper air mixture may be obtained.

In order that the internal combustion engine 10 will operate at an idling speed, there is provided a small gasoline vapor supply line 88-which is tapped into the passage 72. This line 88 is connected into the venturi (not shown) mounted-"inthecarburetor 16, as is best illustrated in Figure-'1.

While the fuel block 62 has been illustrated and described with respect to invention; it is to be "understood that it is not necessary, and may be replaced by other types of control valves. For example, in cases of butane gas installation, special types of diaphragm control needle valves are utilized. Such a needle valve may be usedin conjunction with the gasolinevaporizer 20 inllieu of the fuel block 62.

Referringnow to Figure 5 in particular, it'will be-seen that there is illustrated a modified form of accumulator tank which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 90; The accumulator tank 90 includes a horizontal v tank portion 92 I in J an upstanding accumulator dome 94. Positioned in the lower part of the tank portion 92 is a vaporizer plate 96-similar to the vaporizer plate 26. The vaporizenplate 9 6 is spaced above the bottom of the-tank portion 92 andforms in-conjunction therewith an exhaust passage-98. I Tha -passage; 98 has communicated therewith exhaust lines 100 -which are in turn connected to the interior of an exhaust manifold 102w: The exhaust manifold -102--is preferably for a V- type-engine and is .ofa nature whereby-the accumulator tank-22' could notbe conveniently'setthereon.

When the accumulator tank-:90 is utilized, -no-other changes are required in the-gasoline vaporizer 20. The system remains the same as that described with respect to-Figure 1, although, if'desired, there may be an accumulator tank- 90 on each of the two exhaust manifolds 102- of a V -type engine;

From the foregoingadescription'of'theinvention, it will-be readily apparent that there has been :devised' a gasoline vaporizer which may :be conveniently mounted on existing designs of an internal combustion engine and which maybe utilizedin conjunctio'n with the normal fuel system: thereof for operating "the internal: combustion engine 1 with maximum efliciency 'once' the internal =combustion engine-hasfibeen started and the exhaust'manifold thereof-has been warmed up to -the necessary temperature for -vaporizing the 1 gasoline.

-'Bypreheating and vaporizing the fuel before it enters into the carburetor,-a morecomplete mixing of the fuel and air is possible. This-results in a fuel air mixture -which is more completely burn'ed-to increasethe' efficiency of the internal combustion engine.-- Further, -byeliminat "ing raw 'fuelfrom -th'e*cylinilers= of the internal combustionengine,-the*quantity"of sludge formed "is greatly reduced:

The foregoing is considered "as illustrative only of the principles of the invention: Further, since numerous modifications"and changes will readily occur toth'o'se skilled in-the-art, it is notdesired to'limit' the invention a gasoline supply line connected to said gasoline delivery tube exteriorly of said accumulator tank, a fitting for connecting said gasoline supply line to a main fuel line for a carburetor, a normally open electrically controlled valve for positioning in the main fuel line intermediate said fitting and the carburetor, a normally closed electrically controlled valve in said gasoline supply line, a thermostatic switch adapted to be connected to an exhaust manifold and controlled by heat therefrom, and wiring connecting said electrically controlled valves and said switch to an electrical source.

2. A gasoline vaporizer comprising an accumulator tank, a vaporizer plate disposed at the bottom of said accumulator tank, a gasoline delivery tube in said accumulator tank above said vaporizer plate, said gasoline delivery tube having downwardly directed spray nozzles for directing gasoline on said vaporizer plate, means for heating said vaporizer plate from an exhaust manifold, a gasoline supply line connected to said gasoline delivery tube exteriorly of said accumulator tank, a fitting for connecting said gasoline supply line to a main fuel line for a carburetor, a normally open electrically controlled valve for positioning in the main fuel line intermediate said fitting and the carburetor, a normally closed electrically controlled valve in said gasoline supply line, vapor supply line from said accumulator tank, a second normally closed electrically controlled valve in said vapor supply line, a thermostatic switch adapted to be connected to an exhaust manifold and controlled by heat therefrom, and wiring connecting said electrically controlled valves and said switch to an electrical source.

3. A gasoline vaporizer comprising an accumulator tank, a vaporizer plate disposed at the bottom of said acccumulator tank, a gasoline delivery tube in said aecumulator tank above said vaporizer plate, said gasoline delivery tube having downwardly directed spray nozzles for directing gasoline on said vaporizer plate, means for heating said vaporizer plate from an exhaust manifold, a. gasoline supply line connected to said gasoline delivery tube exteriorly of said accumulator tank, a fitting for connecting said gasoline supply line to a main fuel line for a carburetor, a normally open electrically controlled valve for positioning in the main fuel line intermediate said fitting and the carburetor, a normally closed electrically controlled valve in said gasoline supply line, a thermostatic switch adapted to be connected to an exhaust manifold and controlled by heat therefrom, and wiring connecting said electrically controlled valves and said switch to an electrical source, a pressure actuated valve in said gasoline supply intermediate said normally closed electrically controlled valve and said accumulator tank, and a control line from said accumulator tank to said pressure actuated valve.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,088,749 Underwood Mar. 3, 1914 1,824,107 Wyndham et al Sept. 22, 1931 1,960,108 Hermsdorlf May 22, 1934 1,991,021 Leisten Feb. 12, 1935 2,717,827 Best Sept. 13, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS 347,233 France Dec. 29, 1904 

1. A GASOLINE VAPORIZER COMPRISING AN ACCOMULATOR TANK, A VAPORIZER PLATE DISPOSED AT THE BOTTOM OF SAID ACCOMMULATOR TANK, A GASOLINE DELIVERY TUBE IN SAID ACCOMMULATOR TANK ABOVE SAID VAPORIZER PLATE SAID GASOLINE DELIVERY TUBE HAVING DOWNWARDLY DIRECTED SPRAY NOZZLES FOR DIRECTING GASOLINE ON SAID VARPORIZER PLATE, MEANS FOR HEATING ACID VAPORIZER PLATE FROM AN EXCHANGE MANIFOLD A GASOLINE SUPPLY LINE CONNECTED TO SAID GASOLINE DELIVERY TUBE EXTERIORLY OF SAID ACCOMMULATOR TANK, A FITTING FOR CONNECTING SAID GASOLINE SUPPLY LINE TO A MAIN FUEL LINE FOR A CARBURETOR, A NORMALLY OPEA ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLED VALVE FOR POSITIONING IN THE MAIN FUELE LINE INTERMEDIATE SAID FITTING AND THE CARBURETOR, A NORMALLY CLOSED ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLED VALVE IN SAID GASOLINE SUPPLY LINE, A THERMOSTATIC SWITCH ADAPTED TO BE CONNECTED TO AN EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND CONTROLLED BY HEAT THEREFROM, AND WIRING CONNECTING SAID ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLED VALVES AND SAID SWITCH TO AN ELECTRICAL SOURCE. 